My eldest was 11 months when he started going to Family Day Care. I took him out of care when he turned 2 as I was going on Mat Leave. My DS2 is now 14 months and has never been in care.
If socialization with other kids the same age was all you were after, then it's good to go to a play group, swimming lessons or to meet up with a Mother's Group. We already do those things, but I was finding that my DS1 is very shy around adults and people were asking me if he had trouble with speech because he hardly ever spoke (too shy!) There's a place locally to us that does a half day each week of Play School, run by early childhood trained teachers and is like a pre Preschool for 3 year olds . I've been sending DS1 to that for one term so far and he's getting lots of intellectual stimulation that I feel that I can't offer him, as well as building confidence being around other adults. He was quite shy around anyone except me and DH, but the Play School has brought him out of his shell, now he's quite chatty. Every Friday he's was ready to go with his bag! Plus I get to have 3 hours to focus some attention solely on DS2.
It's a tough decision Jessey that no one can make for you. You know your little girl best, so you would know in your heart if she would really benefit from doing something similar to what my little boy does. If it was just 3 hours of daycare with no structured activities, then I personally wouldn't bother, but you might find that she will flourish in occasional care.
Hope you summon up the courage to either stand your ground with your DF and keep DD at home, or to take the plunge and send her to 'School' a couple of hours a week.
Last edited by *suz1*; January 30th, 2011 at 11:04 AM.
: typo
My DD is starting in 2 weeks, just one day a week, (about 6 hrs ) and mum is having her one day. I going back to study I dont want to leave her with anyone but I need to do this course now while i have the chance! And I really think she will benifit, she gets bored easily and just loves when we go to see other kids
Hope you summon up the courage to either stand your ground with your DF and keep DD at home, or to take the plunge and send her to 'School' a couple of hours a week.
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) and mum is having her one day. I going back to study 
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